15th Annual “Cooking For a Cure” Diabetes Fundraiser

Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton’s oldest daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of three. Naturally, she immediately began monitoring her diet, administering insulin and checking her sugar level several times a day and in the middle of the night. “As a mom, your desire to fix everything for your child is innate. Not being able to fix this heartbreaking condition for her was a terrible feeling,” DeRiggi-Whitton said.

With the help of 15 friends, Delia started the “Cooking For a Cure” fundraising event 16 years ago to benefit the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRI). Many of the founding members are still involved and others have joined on to help raise money for research that will, hopefully, find a cure for this illness.

Delia has since become a major driving force for the Northeast Chapter, chairing fundraisers, speaking on behalf of DRI and otherwise helping to raise awareness about and funds to further research efforts towards a cure for this disease that afflicts nearly ten percent of the population of the U.S.

This year’s 15th annual event will take place on Monday, April 16 at The View Grill in Glen Cove. DeRiggi-Whitton co-chairs the event with Rebecca and Craig Castronovo, who also have a daughter who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at an early age.

The DRI runs the largest and most comprehensive research center dedicated to curing diabetes. In type 1 diabetes the immune system mistakenly destroys insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas. In two years of clinical trials, their “BioHub” is realizing great success. This bioengineered “mini organ” that is implanted onto the stomach wall in patients mimics the functions of a normal pancreas.

“The outpouring of support behind this and other DRI fundraising events is so heartwarming,” Delia added. “Clinical trial results on the BioHub have been very promising. I am confident we will see a permanent solution to type 1 diabetes in my lifetime. I am so proud to be a part of this incredible, lifesaving work.”

For more information about DRI’s 15th Annual Cooking for a Cure event or to make a donation to the Diabetes Research Institute, call 516-822-1700. Tickets are $75 per person. In addition to delicious food and a martini tasting bar, there will be a fabulous Chinese auction and live music performed by Chris Kinnear.

(In photo) “Cooking For a Cure” committee members during event planning meeting.